Longtime poverty writer and television producer, Becky Johnson of Santa Cruz, Ca. shares her essays, videos, and favorite articles on the issues of the day from the faux Swine Flu pandemics, to saving lives and billions with breast thermography. From smoking bans to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, try to keep up with Becky on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BeckyJohnson222

Monday, December 21, 2009

HUFF Xmas Carols

The following lyrics were written by Robert Norse, Becky Johnson, Joseph Schultz, and Valerie Christy. Two of the songs were sung by HUFF members during the 2009 Holiday Parade amid some controversy. Enjoy! --- Becky Johnson, Editor

SGT HARMS IS COMING DOWNTOWN

You better not sit, you better not beg,you better not chalk, or drink from a keg,Sgt. Harms is coming downtown!

He's making a list, he's checking it twicepoor folks are naughty and rich folks are niceSgt Harms is coming downtown!

He knows if you have warrantsHe knows who are the bumsHe knows if you play hacky-sackor feed the birds bread crumbs

You better just shop,'cause nothings for free.You better be white and have an I.D.Sgt Harms is coming Downtown!

You better not sleep, nor linger too longnor dare to sit down while singing this song...Sgt. Harms is coming downtown!

He knows if you're suspiciousOr hanging out while poor,Don't beg a dime after dark downtownYou'll get tickets by the score!

The benches are goneGet out of the parksDon't sit in your carBe gone after darkSgt. Harms is coming Downtown!

God Bless ye Merry Gentlemen

God Bless ye Merry Gentlemenbut not in Santa Cruz!Mayor Rotkin has a Sleeping Banhe'll cite you if you snoozeand if you're warm beneath your quiltsyour blankets you shall loseBad tidings, not comfort or joy,comfort or joyBad tidings NOT comfort or joy

The sidewalks are for business use, so don't delay or sit!We've friendly cops with ticket books, three hundred bucks a hit.They'll show up fast in squads of three as fast as you can spit.

Sad tidings, not comfort or joy, comfort or joy!Sad tidings, not comfort of joy.

Yet this was made for all of us and not just for the richWatch out for "hosts" who prowl the street all smiling as they snitch.And if you're mad, then just be glad, you know which way is which.

Mad tidings, not comfort or joy comfort or joy,Mad tidings not comfort or joy.

In Santa Cruz we often fight for peace throughout the worldDiscrimination isn't us, just keep your bedroll furl'dProgressive politics with anti-poor laws here are swirled

Bad tidings, not comfort or joy, comfort or joyBad tidings, not comfort or joy

OH COME ALL YE SHOPPERS

Oh come all ye shopperswith creditcards and checkbooksand bank cards and bills and coins andlay-away accountsCome and buy new stuffalthough you don't need itBecause you must have itBecause you must have itBecause you must have it andright now!

AWAY ON VACATION

Away on Vacation no time for the poorSays Mayor Mike Rotkin "No Sleep for the poor"For thousands of homeless it's a crime just to sleepthe police will harass you in your car on the street

We love all our homelessthey even get mailbut sit, beg, or sleep and they'll wind up in jailIt's Christmas time now, time to buy lots of stuffYour pain frightens shoppers, so the cops will get tough

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About Me

Longtime Santa Cruz homeless advocate, Becky Johnson has written for Street Spirit, produced "Bathrobespierre's Broadsides: Civil Rights for the Poor" and has lobbied for homeless civil rights with HUFF, Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom, and produced her own television show "Club Cruz" which covered local and poverty issues. Currently Ms. Johnson is one of the founders of Peace Camp 2010 located on the courthouse steps until the City of Santa Cruz repeals the Sleeping Ban.